‘IT was useful having a mediator’

Naina, 58, says: I hate the thought of talking about myself to a stranger. But when Radhika suggested the retreat, I found myself agreeing, simply to spend time with her. Since she moved out of home two years ago, I barely see her. She’s always busy with work, friends and travelling, so I jumped at the chance to spend three days together.

I had no idea what to expect because I’ve never had therapy before. when I found out it was three hours a day, I couldn’t imagine we would have enough to talk about.

I don’t think Radhika and I have serious problems. we’re a typical mother and daughter with a loving, occasionally tempestuous, relationship. It’s been this way since she became an opinionated teenager, and I’ve got used to it.

all I want is for her to be happy, and I worry about her a lot. I don’t always agree with her feminism or political views, but if I try and debate them with her she just gets very worked up.

The best bit of the retreat was I could bring up these issues and get David’s opinion. It made sense when he talked about millennials being quick to take offence.

It was useful having David there as a mediator, to point out where we were going wrong – or right.

But there were uncomfortable moments, like when I talked about how I wanted Radhika to settle down. David asked me why I wanted that, and we worked out that it was just because of my cultural and generational beliefs. Even though I don’t always appreciate her lifestyle choices, I am proud of her for being so successful and independent.